Love Blue Give Gold

JOIN US ONLINE – FEB. 27–28, 2018

Every year, Hilltoppers around the world - alumni, students, parents, friends, neighbors, faculty, and staff - come together for Love Blue Give Gold, a two-day online fundraising campaign. We support the schools, programs and causes that are important to us, shaped our time on the Hilltop and will help the University achieve its mission for the betterment of our students, alumni, faculty, staff and community.

BE AN AMBASSADOR

As a Hilltopper, you are one of our greatest assets, and we need your help! The Love Blue Give Gold campaign kicks off February 27-28, 2018, and we hope you will join us in making this year the most successful Love Blue Give Gold we've ever had!

AREAS OF INTEREST

University Priorities

University Programs

Academics

Athletics

Student Affairs

Campus Ministry

University Priorities

Donors interested in supporting the university’s priorities may regularly choose from among Annual Scholarships, the General Endowment, and the university’s Areas of Greatest Need (an unrestricted gift that allows us to meet pressing needs as they arise). This year, donors may also recognize Esther Yacono for her 23 years of leadership to the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) with a gift to the scholarship that has been created in her name.

University Programs

CAMP, founded in 1972, has served more than 2,800 sons and daughters of migrant farmworkers. It has become a national model for migrant education due to the university's comprehensive approach to providing personalized academic, social and financial support that helps CAMPers succeed. The program's six-year graduation rate of 68% far exceeds the national average of 59%.

MARY MOODY NORTHEN THEATRE is the award-winning producing arm of the St. Edward's University theater training program. Students work alongside professional actors, directors and designers, explore all facets of theatrical production and earn points towards membership in the Actor’s Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

WILD BASIN CREATIVE RESEARCH CENTER serves as an extension of the St. Edward’s campus and includes 227 acres within the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve system. The center focuses on “creative research” and is designed to encourage research in all disciplines as well as interdisciplinary and cross-curriculum projects. In addition to these types of projects, St. Edward’s University works in partnership with the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and its many affiliates on conservation efforts. Wild Basin also offers volunteer opportunities and guided school tours and is open to the public for trail hiking and events.

Academics

School of Behavioral and Social Sciences • The Bill Munday School of Business • School of Education • School of Arts & Humanities • School of Natural Sciences

Dean’s Academic Excellence Funds have been established in each school to provide Deans with the resources they need to support faculty and to help deserving students take advantage of opportunities for academic growth outside of the classroom. Contributions to these funds provide for student travel to present research at symposia and conferences, or to demonstrate their creative abilities at special showcases. Funds also support visiting artists and speakers on campus.

Athletics

ATHLETICS 2016-2017 was another successful year in Hilltopper Athletics history: 7 Hilltopper student-athletes were name Academic All- Americans, while 9 of 13 teams were given All-Academic status. 73% of Hilltopper student-athletes posted a GPA of 3.0 or higher, 42 of those student-athletes posted perfect 4.0's. St. Edward's Men's Golf Team was named academic champions for NCAA Division II for earning a team GPA of 3.65. St. Edwards University claimed 2 regular season Heartland Conference titles and 3 tournament titles, also sending 7 of 13 teams to the NCAA National Tournament.

St. Edward's University is recognized as one of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report, and it has been recognized by Forbes and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. Located in Austin, Texas, with a network of partner universities around the world, St. Edward's is a diverse community that offers undergraduate and graduate programs designed to inspire students with a global perspective. St. Edward's is a private, liberal arts, Catholic university in the Holy Cross tradition with more than 5,300 students.

Student Affairs

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION The Office of Diversity and Inclusion inspires values that recognize, first and foremost, the inherent dignity of every person. We cultivate an inclusive environment where differences are recognized and respected by serving as a catalyst, providing support, and ensuring collaboration and accountability.

RECREATION & WELLNESS Recreation & Wellness provides opportunities for the St. Edward’s University community to enhance their holistic well-being by administering a variety of physical, social, educational, intellectual, and emotional experiences. Through participation in our programs, we strive to ensure that each individual develops an appreciation for a healthy lifestyle, meaningful relationships, leadership development opportunities, and a wholesome attitude towards well-being.

STUDENT TRANSITIONS AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT The Office of Student Transitions and Family Engagement strives to provide students and their families with meaningful opportunities to connect, learn, and engage on the Hilltop. With signature traditions and events such as Summer Orientation, Legacy Walk, and Seniors Staying Connected.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES The Office of Student Activities includes chartered organizations University Programming Board, Student Government Association, Student Leadership Team, and the Campus Involvement Team, and is responsible for supporting student co-curricular programming and engagement, as well as recognition of student organizations.

Campus Ministry

Rooted in our Holy Cross heritage, the mission of the university, and Catholic Social Teaching, Campus Ministry seeks to provide the university community with a variety of opportunities to live out their faith tradition. In addition to Catholic devotions (Reconciliation, Rosary, Adoration, Mass – weekdays and Sundays) numerous transformative service experiences, both on campus and in the larger community, are supported by the staff and student volunteers of Campus Ministry: Respect for Life, Soup & Substance, Passion & Civility Debates, REACH OUT, and the Thanksgiving Food Drive, are a few such opportunities.

SERVICE BREAK EXPERIENCES provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to practice their beliefs through service to communities around the world. Rooted in the four pillars of building community, doing justice, living simply and engaging spiritually, the program boasts ten domestic Alternative Spring Break and five International Immersion experiences. Participants spend nearly a year preparing and learning about the social justice and community issues of their site, volunteering at a local non-profit and building community with their group before the one or two week service-immersion experience. We challenge our participants to become global citizens as they use their education and lived experience to improve the lives of our brothers and sisters in need.

CAMPUS PARTNERS

Alumni and Parent Programs

School of Arts and Humanities

Campus Ministry

Service Break Experience

Recreation & Wellness

Division of Student Affairs

St. Edward's University Alumni Association

Student Government Association

Hilltopper Athletics

Student Activities

Marketing

Diversity and Inclusion

Mary Moody Northen Theatre

University Advancement

Men's Club Lacrosse

Student Transitions and Family Engagement

Men's Club Soccer

Topperettes Dance Team

The Munday School of Business

Women's Club Lacrosse

ONLINE AMBASSADORS

Aaron Kennard '18

Debbie Taylor

Michelle Mowry

Alex Simons '12

Eliza Quintana '18

Narda Salinas '17

Alicia Barron '03

Erica Schomer '17

Natalie Maglitto '17

Amanda Brown '08

Erica Zamora '11

Nicki Payne '16

Amanda Rodriguez '19

Gregory Reck '17

Nicole Driscoll '13

Amanda Saldivar '12

Hanna King '18

Noah Corn '12

Amber-Nicole McIntire '17

Hannah Rauch '16

Norma Dibrell '14

Ana Paulin Aguais '17

Jamie Cardenas '17

Oliver Guerra '18

Andrew Workman '09

Jeff Rohrbach '12

Patrice Ponce '18

Andy Lemons

Jennifer Dennington '19

Paul Smith '11, MBA '13

Anna Lopez '17

Joi Torres

Rachel Harms '06

April Workman '09

Jonathan Cruz '17

Ryan Schmidt '11

Becca Gutierrez '17

Julia Campos '18

Sam Boender

Bianca Hernandez '17

Julia Clements '17

Samantha Gilmore '16

Brian Latronico '95

Karissa Devore '12

Samantha Spargo '09

Brittany Ward '12

Karla Braun '13

Sara Hoover '11

Carey Mays

Katlynn Hendrix '19

Sarah Elsey '09

Carlos Martinez '18

Kristina Bachman '07

Sarah Granger-Glauser '11

Catherine Clark '17

Kylie Seaman '17

Sharnicia Dotson '17

Chantal Neutzler '19

Larry Tanguma '03

Shelby Sievers '16

Cheri Sullivan

Laura O'Melia '05

Sofia Ojeda '19

Chloe Becker '19

Lauren Zambrano '17

Sophia Gutierrez '14

Christine Lucht '12

Leslie Rios '20

Staphany Salazar '18

Christoper Naley '13

Lindsey Woelker

Stephanie Rohrbach '11

Claire F. Stone '13

Lisa Kirkpatrick

Talia Russell

Colin de Guzman '18

Liz Simmons

Taylor Land '09

Connie Rey Rodriguez '04

Liza Manajarrez

Teddy Ade '17

Cory Hahn '11

Margaret Walsh '17

Tim Suarez '08

Crystal Magni Palomino '08

Marisa Lacey MSOLE '06

Tom Sullivan

Cynthia Gurrola '14

Mark Barker '07

Tommy Gallagher

Daja Shealey '17

Melina Bravo '18

Vivian Le '14

Dan O'Dwyer '09

Melinda Benavides '10

William Pate '06

David Tran '19

Melinda Szabo '15

CHAPTER CHALLANGE

As part of Love Blue Give Gold this year, the six official Alumni Chapters are participating in a Chapter Challenge to help the Alumni Association reach 10% alumni giving. It’s a race to see which chapter can reach 10% within their chapter the fastest. The winning chapter will get a free round of drinks at their National Happy Hour event on Thursday, June 14, thanks to University Advancement!

You can see the numbers needed below:

CHAPTER

ALUMNI BASE

CURRENT ALUMNI DONORS

CURRENT PARTICIPATION RATE

ALUMNI DONORS NEEDED

Austin

9,810

303

3.09%

673

DFW

1,637

40

2.44%

124

El Paso

199

6

3.0%

14

Houston

2,448

46

1.88%

199

RGV

641

10

1.56%

54

San Antonio

1,091

37

3.39%

72

It’ a challenge, but we know it is one that can be met with Topper Pride! Remember, every gift counts, every gift matters – no matter the size! Give to what you loved most about the Hilltop and help your chapter reach 10% and your first drink is on us at National Happy Hour!

FAQs

What is Love Blue Give Gold and why does it happen every year?

The Love Blue Give Gold social media fundraising campaign promotes participation gifts amongst the St. Edward’s University community. The campaign is used to increase our alumni participation percentage – a statistic used by national ranking organizations to measure alumni satisfaction each year. Charitable gifts also help the university achieve its mission and implement its strategic plan for the betterment of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community.
Annual participation matters! Love Blue Give Gold provides the St. Edward’s community with a fun, quick way to make their annual gifts to St. Edward’s University. Be a part of the tradition!

What areas can I support?

The St. Edward’s Fund, sometimes called the university’s ‘area of greatest need,’ provides tuition assistance for deserving students, along with necessary technology and teaching tools for our students and faculty, while helping us maintain both the natural and the built environment on our beautiful Austin campus. It enables us to continue to attract and retain talented and diverse students and strengthens our rankings and reputation.

In addition to supporting the St. Edward’s Fund, donors may designate their gifts to areas that have impacted their time on the Hilltop. When making your gift, select “other” and write in the organization, program or cause you wish to support with your gift.

Does 100% of my gift go to my designated area?

Yes!

Is there a minimum donation amount?

A minimum gift of $5 is suggested but not required.

Can a donor make a gift by mail or phone?

Due to the short timeframe of Love Blue Give Gold, only gifts made during Homecoming and Family Weekend, or by phone or online February 27-28 will count toward the campaign goals.

Can a donor make a gift of stock in support of Love Blue Give Gold?

Donors can make a gift of stock in support of their favorite school, program or cause. Learn more here.

Is it safe to make my gift online?

Yes! We assure you that measures have been taken to make such transactions secure for everyone who participates.

This site uses industry-standard Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) servers on our transaction pages. It encrypts all of your personal information to prevent unauthorized access as the information travels over the Internet. This site takes the responsibility of your cardholder data seriously and maintains compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) by meeting all security requirements to help ensure commerce-based transaction data is protected.

Is my Love Blue Give Gold gift tax-deductible?

Yes, your gift is tax-deductible. You will receive an email confirmation that will serve as your receipt for tax purposes. If you do not receive this email confirmation, please email lovebluegivegold [at] stedwards.edu for help.